Here is some important information regarding Halloween safety...brought to you by the Utah County Health Department!...Also, keep scrolling down to find more about how to stay healthy this flu season!!
Children love Halloween; they get to dress up and eat candy. What else could a child ask for in a holiday? Although it’s fun, there are some common sense tips to keep your children safe during this yearly tradition.
*Get on the internet and check the local state website sex offender registry list. The state of Utah has a list of offenders by zip code. Make sure that your children stay away from these houses.
*Know the route your children will be taking if you aren’t going Trick-or-Treating with them and check in with them periodically.
*Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friend’s home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.
*Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.
*Explain to children of all ages that vandalism and animal cruelty are not acceptable Halloween activities and can be punishable by law.
*Make sure to check your children’s candy before they dig in.
*Teach your kids about not getting into cars with strangers or talking to those they don’t know – even if they seem friendly, ask for help, or know the child’s name. They should never go into the house of a person they don’t know. Also, tell them what they should do if a stranger takes them- scream as loud as possible to attract attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.
*Be sure your children know how to cross the street properly.
Children love Halloween; they get to dress up and eat candy. What else could a child ask for in a holiday? Although it’s fun, there are some common sense tips to keep your children safe during this yearly tradition.
*Get on the internet and check the local state website sex offender registry list. The state of Utah has a list of offenders by zip code. Make sure that your children stay away from these houses.
*Know the route your children will be taking if you aren’t going Trick-or-Treating with them and check in with them periodically.
*Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friend’s home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents.
*Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.
*Explain to children of all ages that vandalism and animal cruelty are not acceptable Halloween activities and can be punishable by law.
*Make sure to check your children’s candy before they dig in.
*Teach your kids about not getting into cars with strangers or talking to those they don’t know – even if they seem friendly, ask for help, or know the child’s name. They should never go into the house of a person they don’t know. Also, tell them what they should do if a stranger takes them- scream as loud as possible to attract attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.
*Be sure your children know how to cross the street properly.
Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Flu vaccine also has been shown to be life-saving in children. In fact, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from flu. (CDC, 2018). Anyone 6months of age and older can get the flu shot. Click on the link to find out more information! |